June 2021

shared vision to harness innovative technology to create a smart manufacturing future. We are already leading in 5G innovation across healthcare, education and smart cities, but the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector is key to driving regional regeneration across the UK, starting here in the West Midlands. Deploying a 5G Private Network at the MTC to develop 5G use cases for local businesses is a significant step forward towards our shared commitment and we’re excited to make this a reality today.” Improving efficiency is important, often a top priority, for manufacturers to reduce waste and increase capacity. To drive this efficiency, manufacturers are increasing their reliance on connectivity to provide cost savings, enhance sustainability and increase outputs. It is the new communication networks that will provide flexible, reliable device connectivity and drive this efficiency, which is why 5G is proving to be so pivotal for manufacturers. The adoption of digital technology in existing and new production facilities will result in significant manufacturing productivity improvements, with an anticipated improvement of 30% to 35% by 2030. 2 Analysis by BCG suggests that manufacturing sector growth between just 1.5% and 3% can deliver an annual growth of approximately 0.5% of GDP. 3 The first live trial at theMTCwill see two robots simultaneously and autonomously operating to deliver an automated inspection task – adding value through increasing quality and efficiency of a factory operation. MTC members are closely following the development of the use case through the MTC Core Research Programme, andwill be invited to validate the value of the use case and the 5G capabilities explored through this application. The longer-term plan is to develop a series of 5G use cases bringing 5G connectivity, skills, and applications to the MTC research and innovation programmes, supporting its SME Technology Transformation programmes and offering a testbed environment for their wider customer and partner base. In particular, the MTC’s SME Digital REACH programme offers SMEs guidance and support to increase productivity through the introduction and adoption of digital manufacturing technology. Ste Ashton , Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity manager at Worcestershire County Council, and Business Lead for Worcestershire 5G, added: “Having built the first 5G network in a factory in the UK in 2019 we understand the role that 5G can play in both businesses and people’s lives, with a recognition that there will be many more areas of benefit to be identified. Our partnership with MTC enables us to build on the leadership positionWorcestershire and our partners have established, and provides the platform for us to deliver further use case exemplars to demonstrate how 5G can play a significant role in delivering increased productivity gains in advanced manufacturing, and potentially other sectors.” The results and learnings from the use cases will be shared by the technology partners and the sector to explore learnings, best practice and growth opportunities. The trials mark an important step in 5G innovation, supporting the aim to help British manufacturing accelerate productivity and efficiency, demonstrating how 5G can support manufacturing operations in the UK and beyond. Businesses of any size can access the private network at the MTC to test and deploy 5G solutions in a state-of-art testbed environment. Manufacturers interested in testing their 5G solutions at the MTC can find out more information by visiting www.the-mtc.org . You can also explore current use cases, and a how-to guide to find out if 5G is right for your organisation, by visiting www.wm5g.org.uk/projects/manufacturing 1 Nokia and ABI Research identify key trends in manufacturing investment to enable Industry 4.0, 2020 2 MADE SMARTER Review. Gov.uk, 2017 3 BCG: Is the UK ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution? 2017 29 www.drivesncontrols.com June 2021